New Hampshire House gives early OK to pay equity

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire House has given preliminary support to a bill that addresses pay equity between men and women.

The House voted 187-134 Wednesday to send the bill to a second committee to review before taking a final vote.

The bill prohibits employers from making people sign agreements not to disclose their salaries as a condition of employment and strengthens non-retaliation laws to protect employees who file claims under the law. The bill does not prohibit employers from paying workers different amounts based on factors such as seniority and performance.

Supporters say it would promote pay equity since workers would be able to discuss their salaries, but opponents said that could result in discord in the work place.